How to Treat Aspirin Poisoning
Aspirin poisoning, or aspirin toxicity. can easily occur. Aspirin is a popular product, and many people are not aware that too much can have cause serious side effects that include ringing in the ears, bleeding and death from respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis (disruptive metabolic states that lead to high fever, vomiting, rapid breathing, fluid loss, dehydration and imbalance of electrolytes in the body). Acute kidney and liver failure are possible. Prescription medications can potentiate the effect of aspirin, leading to increased absorption of aspirin. In any case of suspected aspirin poisoning, intentional or from chronic use, it's never okay to wait and see what happens next. Hospital care is always necessary.
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Instructions
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Aspirin Toxicity
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Aside from the symptoms mentioned above, aspirin poisoning can cause disturbances of the central nervous system, ranging from mild confusion to coma. Ringing in the ears is an early warning sign that can progress to deafness. Dizziness is common.Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a symptom of chronic aspirin poisoning. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step toward prompt and proper treatment.
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Obtain a diagnosis from a physician or in the emergency room by calling 911 if you or someone you know has signs of aspirin poisoning. Blood work should be performed to measure serum potassium, sodium and glucose levels. Do not try to induce vomiting with Ipecac syrup as was once popular. Risks include increased chance of bleeding from vomiting and further dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Blood tests for kidney function (BUN and Creatinine) will determine the presence of dehydration. Other tests include prothrombin times to measure the body's clotting mechanisms. Aspirin is a potent blood thinner. Liver function will also be tested with blood work.
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Further treatment involves supportive care in the hospital. Patients with aspirin poisoning may need assisted breathing and intravenous medications to replace fluid loss and electrolytes, such as potassium. Frequent blood work and observation of respiratory status is necessary. Sometimes charcoal is given by mouth mixed as a "slurry" to absorb the medication in instances of acute poisoning. Sorbitol is often used to speed up the excretion of aspirin via the GI tract due to it's laxative effect.
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In severe cases, kidney dialysis may be necessary to help rid the body of salicylates. Those who have ingested more than 300mg/kg of aspirin or who have symptoms of severe aspirin poisoning will require treatment in the intensive care unit.
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Intentional poisoning with aspirin is an indication for psychiatric care and mental health support.
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Tips & Warnings
If you suspect someone has taken an excess of aspirin, call 91 and try to find the bottle. Gather up other medications present in the house. Obtain as much information from the person as possible to relay to the paramedics or poison control center. Find out how much and what time the medication was taken for acute ingestion, Obtain a history in cases of suspected poisoning from chronic ingestion, such as how much aspirin is taken on a daily basis, when the last dose was, how much and what symptoms the person is experiencing.
Treat anyone with difficulty breathing or who is difficult to arouse by performing the recommended steps for CPR from the American Heart Association after calling 911.
Do not delay treatment in anyone suspected of aspirin poisoning.
